The United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a proposed rule to amend Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) regulations regarding coverage for children up to age 26 and for children of the same-sex domestic partners of FEHB enrollees, according to FederalRegister.gov .

The regulations also allow children of same-sex domestic partners to be covered under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.

In one part of the revised program, it is stated that "a child is considered to be a family member eligible to be covered ... if he or she is (i) A child born within marriage; (ii) A recognized natural child; (iii) An adopted child; (iv) A stephchild; or (v) A foster child who lives with the enrollee in a regular parent-child relationship." "Stepchild" is defined as "the child of an enrollee's spouse or domestic partner."

Family Equality Council Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler said in a statement, "This rule change means that federal workers can now be assured that a high fever, broken arm or debilitating illness won't jeopardize their child's health or their family's finances.

"We look forward to the day when marriage equality and the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act guarantee that all of our families have the same health care protections as their friends and neighbors."

OPM must receive comments about the proposal on or before Tuesday, Sept. 18. People may send written comments to Marguerite Martel, Senior Policy Analyst, Planning and Policy Analysis, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Room 3415, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, D.C.; or fax to 202-606-4640, Attn: Marguerite Martel.

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